Aromatherapy description

Smell yourself well. Aromatherapy is all about stimulating your sense of smell with essential oils taken from plants and flowers. It can be used in different ways, including therapeutic massage, bathing or straightforward sniffing.

Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular as a remedy for the stresses of modern life, but the principles of the therapy are believed to date back thousands of years through ancient Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Chinese cultures.

What's it for?

A bit like baking bread or freshly-cut grass, there are some aromas that can change your mood. Aromatherapy uses specific scents to produce effects on your state of mind - for example it could be relaxing, energizing, calming or uplifting.

When aromatherapy oils are massaged into the skin the natural essences are not just released into the air, but they are also absorbed into the bloodstream. This is thought to magnify their effect - so you'll be gleaming with wellbeing from the inside out.

How does it work?

Aromatherapists stress that it's not just one-size-fits-all. There are hundreds of Aromatherapy essences, which can be used in subtle combinations, tailored to each person. There are also essences for a wide range of specific of complaints, like travel sickness and insomnia.

Your consultant is likely to begin with a review of your medical history before recommending the best aromas to renew your spirit and make sure you come up smelling of roses.